Posted by Will Haire

Think of Startup Weekend like a weekend camping trip. You will have to make sure you have everything you need because you will rarely leave the space where you and your team are working. Remember, every minute counts and you do not want to waste time looking for a power cord.

Here is a list of supplies we recommend bringing:

Laptop, tablet, and smartphone or any device that can be connected to the Internet (multiple devices are good for validating across platforms). You will need this for conducting research, working, checking Facebook, and capturing key moments and sharing them with your community. Keep in mind; you are doing something cool and different with your weekend. Time to gloat!

Power Cords, Power Cords, Power Cords. If I had a nickel for every time I left my charger at home, I would be five cents richer. Be prepared to charge all your devices throughout the day.

A notebook & pens. Sometimes old-fashioned written notes and sketches are the best way to communicate with new teammates.

A water bottle. The organizers will be providing beverages, but you want to stay hydrated throughout the weekend. Remember, dehydration makes Jack a dull boy!

Snacks. Once again, the organizers will be providing snacks, but if you have dietary restrictions or if you have a concoction you like to make to keep you energized and focus, by all means bring it with you.

Attire. Feel free to dress comfortable. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in a way that will allow you to do your best thinking and best work. I don’t think anyone will judge you if you show up in your pajamas!

Headphones. If you get in the “zone” and do not want to be distracted by conversations and energy surrounding you. Be prepared to tune others out and get down to business.

Business cards. You are going to be meeting new people and contacts you may want to keep in touch with.

Positive Attitude. Startup Weekend is a very dynamic environment filled with highs and lows. Be prepared to go with the flow and keep an open mind and a positive attitude.

We look forward to seeing you at the Stamford Startup Weekend. Bring anything that will help with your creativity and comfort, beanbags sweat pants, and good times!

A 54 hour Hack-a-thon of the magnitude of Startup Weekend is a bit preposterous to those of us whose timeline usually consist of months not hours. Think about it. We need to come up with an idea, develop this idea in a team environment, develop a working prototype, and develop a comprehensive business plan. All in 54 hours… ump, Sounds Crazy! But, guess what, it is crazy. And such an Awesome experience. So, what does a savvy hacker need to bring to this event? Or is the question what doesn’t a savvy hacker need at this event?

Here are a few things are more seasoned hackers recommend bringing to the event. If you plan ahead, your first Startup Weekend can be a success. If you don’t plan ahead… Well, let’s just say your head might explode!

1) This is a Social Event

Bring your hacking skills, but don’t forget this is a networking event and you have to mingle. The first night is all about networking. Here you will ask people, what they are (Biz Dev, Designer, Coder, Human, or Zombie), What they do for a living, What brought them to the event, etc. Just small talk. The point of this exercise is to find some people you wouldn’t mind working with. A lot of people are active on social media and blogging, use this to your advantage. Be Friendly & Social!

2) Ideas are free, as in FREEDOM!

Don’t be afraid to share your idea. Remember you are here to work in a collaborative work environment and the only way your idea is going to get some ideas to move is to share. Everyone at the event has the next million-dollar idea. At the pitch session you will probably hear close to 50 pitches. If your ideas are good, you won’t have to force them on anyone. Good people will find you!

3) You are an Amur Leopard or Black-Eyed Tree Frog i.e. you are Rare & Special 😉

Unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of hackers who show up to these events. You are a commodity and lots of people will be coming to you. Every project needs programmers and most of the time, people will approach you. Use this to your advantage and pick the idea you like the most. Chances are you won’t be the only hacker on your team. Also, the mentors have experience and will offer guidance throughout the event. Enjoy the ride my Black-Eyed Tree Frog, just don’t wound up like Steve Irwin!

4) It is a LONG Weekend…

Yes, it is a long weekend, but the food is free and it won’t be all work. If you find good team they may let you sleep an hour between Hack sessions. The reality of the situation is that you will put in a couple of long rewarding days. If you need personal space, we recommend bringing headphones with you. This will enable you to tune out those around you and get some work done. Remember from our last point, YOU ARE A COMMODITY. Let your team know that you need some uninterrupted time to get the next feature done. Stock up on energy drinks, do some yoga, and bring some positive energy. You’ll need it!

5) Any Code will do, but Ruby-on-Rails coders are our rock stars!

You won’t want to be late night hacking on the Linux kernel this weekend. Ruby and Ruby–on-Rails is perfectly sufficient and efficient for the fast paced development happening this weekend. The one thing that rails gives you that other frameworks don’t are the fast scaffolding of an application. Python junkies can still be useful, as a few groups will go towards the Django/Pylons/etc. route. You can even go as the sole developer in a group if you find yourself better than average at another MVC framework.

Think lean. And hey, remember, Twitter was built on Rails!

Windows Scoffers – This is a weekend for MACs. Also, that windows laptop aren’t optimal, so if you have a mac bring it. I hate to say it (as I’m typing on my Windows 7 laptop), but Ruby-on-Rails sucks on Windows. Helpful Tip for dedicated Windows guys, download VirtualBox and the latest copy of Ubuntu and unleash new coding speeds on rails. Installing Rails on Ubuntu is a breeze if you follow the simple instructions. For those still inclined to stick with windows, you can follow those instructions instead.

6) Have A Blast

Remember, this is your weekend. You are doing something different, exciting, and worth bragging about. Don’t stress out about adding last minute features and just roll with the punches. There are no managers riding your coattails nor is anyone harping on you about extra features. Complete as much as you can in the time given and try go for the gold. If you’re on a good team, follow the rules laid out before you, and come in with a great attitude then, and only then, will you survive Startup Weekend.

Before I start, maybe I should give a quick overview of what Startup Weekend is: The concept of SW is that people with an idea for a startup, and people who have skills and would like to be part of a startup meet up and over the course of a weekend try to make something happen!

Attending a Startup Weekend is the best thing you can do to start your entrepreneurial journey. Below is a list of 8 great reasons I think you should attend Startup Weekend Stamford:

1. The Power of Networks

The Stamford Innovation Center & Fairfield County is a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship. There will be over 100 developers, designers, engineers, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to build their professional network and launch a Startup.

2. Education Through Action

Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. No more theory, no dry lectures, and no pompous instructors. You will actually build your own strategy, learn from mentors and other startup professionals, and launch your business through the school of Hard Knocks. After all, we are known as the City That Works!

3. Form a Startup Team

Whether you have the next big idea, or you want to be part of a team actively working to solve problems, you’ll be a member of a startup team! You will be making crucial decisions and be involved in the entire process start to finish.

4. Save Money & Win Prizes!

Startup Weekend cost between $125 and $135 ($105 for students). Your ticket covers seven meals, snacks, swag, and access to exclusive resources from our global sponsors. The winning teams receive thousands of dollars worth of prizes provided by our amazing sponsors. There are even prizes just for attending the event… That’s how cool we are!

5. Get involved in the Fairfield County Community

There is no better way to give back to your community than starting a business and stimulating the local economy through employment or local purchases.

6. Learn a New Skill

Being a member of a Startup Team will challenge you in ways you never thought possible. You will be challenged with developing solutions for a new business and working with a team. The whole weekend is a dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, Stamford Startup Weekend is the perfect opportunity to work on a new platform, learn a new programming language, or just try something different.

7. Launch a Business!

By participating in Stamford Startup Weekend, your goal is to develop a web or mobile application with a viable and sustainable business model. After Startup Weekend, most teams continue to develop their project and market it to the world. Who knows, you may even start the next multi-million dollar Internet venture!

8. Join a Global Community

Join over 30,000 Startup Weekend alumni, all on a mission to change the world. Come join the Stamford Innovation Center at our 4thannual Startup Weekend Event. We are committed to our community in developing local talent. Join Us!

What do you get when you win Stamford Startup Weekend? Wait. Wait. You get prizes just for participating. I love Startup Weekend! Check out our prize packages!

1st PLACE:

Shipman & Goodwin strongly supports entrepreneurship and economic development in Fairfield County. In light of the considerable value Stamford Startup Weekend will add to Fairfield County, Shipman & Goodwin is pleased to offer the Shipman & Goodwin Start-up Synergy Package. The package is valued at $2000 and includes a meeting, advice, drafting of documents to form a corporate vehicle according to the needs and wishes of the winning team.

Life in Mobile is a global mobile innovator with a focus on mobile monetization. Life in Mobile understands the technology marketplace and the difficulties for start-ups. Life in Mobile is pleased to offer the winning team a 2-hour Technology and Marketing Strategy Advisory Meeting. This package is designed to help teams develop a marketing strategy in the mobile marketplace.

The Stamford Innovation Center is considered the Mecca for entrepreneurs and creative people in Fairfield County. The Stamford Innovation Center understands the plight of local entrepreneurs and is dedicated to developing local talent. The innovation center is pleased to offer their Startup Weekend Co-Working Warrior Package. The package is valued at $500 and includes 2 month of free co-working space at Stamford Innovation Center for all team members. The Innovation Center is full of great resources and is excited to help out in anyway possible.

2nd PLACE:

Life in Mobile is a global mobile innovator with a focus on mobile monetization. Life in Mobile understands the technology marketplace and the difficulties for start-ups. Life in Mobile is pleased to offer the winning team a 2-hour Technology and Marketing Strategy Advisory Meeting. This package is designed to help teams develop a marketing strategy in the mobile marketplace.

The Stamford Innovation Center is considered the Mecca for entrepreneurs and creative people in Fairfield County. The Stamford Innovation Center understands the plight of local entrepreneurs and is dedicated to developing local talent. The innovation center is pleased to offer their Startup Weekend Co-Working Warrior Package. The package is valued at $500 and includes 2 months of free co-working space at Stamford Innovation Center for all team members. The Innovation Center is full of great resources and is excited to help out in anyway possible.

3rd PLACE:

The innovation center is pleased to offer 1 month of free co-working space at Stamford Innovation Center for all team members.

Moo.com is a global partner of Startup Weekend and is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship. Moo.com understands the importance of networking and the value of first impressions. Moo.com is donating a $250 voucher for all products sold on the website.

JUST FOR PARTICIPATING:

Moo.com is a global partner of Startup Weekend and is a strong supporter of entrepreneurship. Moo.com understands the importance of networking and the value of first impressions. Moo.com is donating 50 business cards or 100 mini-cards to all participants.

.COis the domain name of choice for innovators and entrepreneurs. From startups and small businesses to big brands and multinational corporations, .CO is where big ideas belong on the Web. We are proud to offer all Startup Weekend participants access to a free .CO domain. Get more information at www.go.co/startupweekend

Google for Entrepreneurs empowers entrepreneurs around the world through programs, partnerships, and Google products. With over 60 programs in 110 countries, Google for Entrepreneurs seeks to grow entrepreneurial communities and to equip entrepreneurs with skills and resources to pursue their big ideas. Google is offering developers $2000 of credit ot buidl startups on Google App Engine and Google Compute Engine. Apply to receive credit at www.cloud.google.com/Starterpack and ask your event organizers for your verificaton code!

A 54 hour Hack-a-thon of the magnitude of Startup Weekend is a bit preposterous to those of us whose timeline usually consist of months not hours. Think about it. We need to come up with an idea, develop this idea in a team environment, develop a working prototype, and develop a comprehensive business plan. All in 54 hours… umph, Sounds Crazy! But, guess what, it is crazy, and such an Awesome experience. So, what does a savvy Hacker need to bring to this event? Or is the question what doesn’t a Savvy Hacker need at this event?

Here are a few things are more seasoned Hackers recommend bringing to the event. If you plan ahead, your first Startup Weekend can be a success. If you don’t plan ahead… Well, let’s just say your head might explode!

1) This is a Social Event

Bring your Hacker skills, but don’t forget this is a networking event and you have to mingle. The first night is all about networking. Here you will ask people, what they are (Biz Dev, Designer, Coder, Human, or Zombie), What they do for a living, What brought them to the event, etc. Just small talk. The point of this exercise is to find some people you wouldn’t mind working with. A lot of people are active on social media and blogging, use this to your advantage. Be Friendly & Social!

2) Ideas are free, as in FREEDOM!

Don’t be afraid to share your idea. Remember, you are here working in a collaborative work environment and the only way your idea is going to get some ideas to move is to share. Everyone at the event has the next million-dollar idea. At the pitch session you will probably hear close to 50 pitches. If your ideas are good, you won’t have to force them on anyone. Good people will find you!

3) You are an Amur Leopard or Black-Eyed Tree Frog i.e. you are Rare & Special

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of Hackers who show up to these events. You are a commodity and lots of people will be coming to you. Every project needs programmers and most of the time, people will approach you. Use this to your advantage and pick the idea you like the most. Chances are you won’t be the only Hacker on your team. Also, the mentors have experience and will offer guidance throughout the event. Enjoy the ride my Black-Eyed Tree Frog, just don’t wound up like Steve Irwin!

4) It is a LONG Weekend…

Yes, it is a long weekend, but the food is free and it won’t be all work. If you find good team they may let you sleep an hour between Hack sessions. The reality of the situation is that you will put in a couple of long rewarding days. If you need personal space, we recommend bringing headphones with you. This will enable you to tune out those around you and get some work done. Remember from our last point, YOU ARE A COMMODITY. Let your team know that you need some uninterrupted time to get the next feature done. Stock up on energy drinks, do some yoga, and bring some positive energy. You’ll need it!

5) Ruby on Rails is King!

Just get over it. Your Java skills won’t cut it. Your late night hacking on the Linux kernel won’t give you much help this weekend. Ruby and Ruby on Rails seems to be very popular at these things. The one thing that rails gives you that other frameworks don’t are the fast scaffolding of an application. Python junkies can still be useful, as a few groups will go towards the Django/Pylons/etc. route. You can even go as the sole developer in a group if you find yourself better than average at another MVC framework.

Also, that windows laptop really won’t cut it. I hate to say it (as I’m typing on my Windows 7 laptop), but Ruby on Rails sucks on Windows. No worries though, just download VirtualBox and the latest copy of Ubuntu and go wild. Installing Rails on Ubuntu is a breeze if you follow the simple instructions. For those still inclined to stick with windows, you can follow those instructions instead.

6) Have A Blast

Remember, this is your weekend. You are doing something different, exciting, and worth bragging about. Don’t stress out about adding last minute features and just roll with the punches. There are no managers riding your coattails nor is anyone harping on you aboutextra features. Complete as much as you can in the time given and try go for the gold. If you’re on a good team, follow the rules laid out before you, and come in with a great attitude then, and only then, will you survive Startup Weekend.

Listen to our interview with Michael Bleigh founder of Divshot. Michael’s brain child came as a result of Startup Weekend Kansas City in 2012. Although, he did not win the event, his idea has grown into a large sustainable company. DivShot is an interface built for web apps that exports clean, semantic code. The same code a professional would use in the real word. It is a visual HTML editor. DivShot recently raised $1.1 mil in seed money to fund the Michael’s vision!

Be sure to check out Divshot’s Website; http://www.divshot.com/ and here is a link to hisbeta sign up www.divshot.io

Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut actively supports startups and entrepreneurship in Connecticut. In preparation for Startup Weekend Stamford, Quinnipiac held a campus-wide Pitchfire competition. It was pure chaos but a lot of fun! After the smoke cleared, there was only one student left standing… Danielle Giglione.

I recently had time to sit down with this Entrepreneurial Warrior. This is Danielle’s first Startup Weekend! Here is how our interview went:

So, Danielle tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Danielle Giglione and I am a freshman at Quinnipiac University. My major and focus in school is nursing. However, I love to soak up information from all different disciplines. Imagination, creativity, and passion are three of my best friends; they are the key components that fuel my thoughts as well as my reading, drawing, writing, and even baking. While I am studying to become a Registered Nurse, I am looking into designing, developing, and marketing a new diabetes insulin pump, writing my own book (which I hope to publish and make a series out of in the near future), and teaching myself how to use tablets to make digital art. I do not believe in limiting oneself to a single talent or skill; I prefer to take a variety of things I am passionate about and do my best to excel in and learn about them.

Tell us a little about your idea that helped you win the PitchFire competition?

The idea I am bringing with me to Startup Weekend Stamford is the creation of a smaller, thinner, and more efficient diabetes insulin pump. My company, Live Natural, is looking for programmers, designers, and people willing to back/fund this project in addition to anyone who is passionate or curious to learn more about diabetes. I have a few ideas in mind such as the size, shape, screen, etc. For example, I am looking into using a FlexEl battery as opposed to the AAA battery currently used in insulin pumps on the market today. But, I am open to suggestions, feedback, and advice from individuals, especially those with knowledge about electronics and programming.

**A background as to why this is my idea:
My best friend was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes at the age of sixteen and no one could have imagined this happening. Diabetes did not run in either sides of her family; she was fit as could be, ate a healthy, well-balanced diet, and was even a track star. Her pancreas just stopped producing what her body needed to break down the glucose in her system. I remember sitting in homeroom, wondering why my friend hadn’t shown up the past few days. It was not like her to miss school. Later that night while doing my homework, I got a call. It was my friend and she had been hospitalized. She explained to me that she was at a track meet on Sunday, felt absolutely terrible and went to the doctor. The doctor immediately sent her to the emergency room. She had a blood sugar somewhere around 700 or 800 and her normal blood sugar should be between 80-100! The doctor told her if she were to have run in the meet, she could have gone into a diabetic coma. Needless to say, she was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes and I watched as she struggled to live normally with a bulky, unappealing, life saving device clipped to her.

Have you been practicing your pitch?

I have been practicing my pitch! I find that rehearsing the pitch out loud helps to determine the best phrasing, word selection, and speaking pace. When pitching my idea to others in practice, I am able to practice eye contact and posture. Practicing the pitch allows you to make sure the pitch fits the time limit, is concise but clear, and you can check with others that the idea is easily understood.

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur?

I do consider myself an entrepreneur. There are many ways people try to define what an entrepreneur is, but my personal definition is: a person who pursues an opportunity they are passionate about and who is willing to take a financial risk after careful consideration and research into their idea. If people agree that is a valid description of an Entrepreneur than I certainly consider myself that.

Are you excited for Startup Weekend Stamford? What are you most excited about?

I am incredibly excited for Startup Weekend Stamford! It is an honor and a privilege to be attending, let alone giving my pitch. I am most excited to meet and talk with the other individuals attending the event. I cannot wait to hear the ideas other people have been working on, as well as receive advice and ideas for my own product.

How have you been preparing?

To prepare for Startup Weekend Stamford I have been practicing my pitch out loud alone and in front of others. As I stated before, preparing in advance helps you to make sure the pitch fits the time limit and is concise but clear. Also, practicing out loud helps with the phrasing and linguistics.

Has Quinnipiac helped you prepare?

Quinnipiac has been helping me prepare for Start-Up Weekend. The university and its faculty are always willing to work with, guide, and push you towards bigger and better things. The faculty is ready at all times with their fountains of knowledge. Additionally, their are countless resources that one can utilize from the faculty members to the library. My Entrepreneur professor, Professor David Tomczyk, has been especially helpful in fueling and preparing me. Professor Tomczyk encouraged me and my idea, even while I had my own personal doubts because I was a nursing student and that had nothing to do with “being an entrepreneur”.

What a great interview! Look out Startup Weekend Stamford attendees, Danielle is coming to town and she means business.

The most important part to winning Stamford Startup Weekend is knowing what you will be judged on. Like running a marathon, it is important to know where the finish line is! This year we will be using Bill Kenney’s ScoreMyPitch, a product of Stamford Startup Weekend 2013.

Stamford Startup Weekend judging criteria are broken up into three sections. Teams are judged according to the following 3criteria (weighed equally):

Business Model Validation The heart of it all. If you haven’t got the answers to these questions, you’ve spent too much time on frills & features and need to get back to the basics:
a. Who is your customer?
b. What is your core value proposition?
c. What are your key activities?
d. What are your revenue streams?
e. What is your cost structure?
f. Who/what are your key partners/resources?
g. What are your distribution channels?
h. What is your rollout strategy?

Customer Validation Have you taken the proper steps to ensure that the people who matter (your future customers) support and reinforce your assumptions? Think of Customer Validation as ‘evidence’ to backup the core structure of your ‘theory’ (your Business Model). The more feedback you gather (quantity), the more this feedback comes from your specific target market (quality), and the more you’re able to actually integrate this feedback into the Business Model and product development (execution), the better.

Execution The nitty gritty: what has your team been able to actually build over the weekend? Even the strongest of Business Plans are useless in the hands of those who can’t properly execute on them. Getting as far as possible in the development of your product/prototype not only helps give the Judges a tangible vision of what the final product could be, but proves your strength and skills as a team. This is what truly matters: investors don’t invest as in ideas so much as teams.

User Experience Design Design Strategy and quality of users engaged MVP product evolution Map. Does it have a professional look and feel Does it deliver a compelling and captivating user experience. Is it memorable? What key insights were gathered over the weekend to go in this creative direstion

In the words of the greatest cartoon known to man GI Joe, “now you know, and knowing is half the battle.” Be sure to check out the website for additional details about the event, and do not hesitate to email one of the organizers.

If you are planning on participating in Startup Weekend, then you have already taken the first step in developing your idea into a business. But is Connecticut the right place for a Startup? Of course, Connecticut is full of resources that will help you develop and sustain a great business. Let’s look at some of the numbers & facts that prove startup success in Connecticut.

Personal Income per Capita: $59,687, ranking #1 in the country

GDP compared to world: $54,925; some perspective, if Connecticut decided to secede from the union and become it’s own country, it would be ranked 7th most productive in the world

145 Venture capital deals per 100K population, ranking 7th in the country

$1856 invested in R&D per capita, ranking 4th in the country

142 patents per 100K workers, ranking 7th in the country

Home to high-tech, knowledge-based workers, with concentrations 33% greater than the national average

Connecticut’s Digital Media industry is vibrant and established, consisting of companies that provide services such as video production, software design and publishing, and more. So, it doesn’t matter your background. There is a niche out there for anyone and everyone. Just pitch your idea!

Join us and become part of the entrepreneurial community, participating in Stamford Startup Weekend is where your journey begins!

You may be asking yourself, “How can Stamford Startup Weekend benefit me?” or “Why should I go to Stamford Startup Weekend?” Well, we decided to compile a list of the top 8 reasons why YOU should attend Stamford Startup Weekend.

1. The Power of Networks

The Stamford Innovation Center & Fairfield County is a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship. There will be over 100 developers, designers, engineers, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to build their professional network and launch a Startup.

2. Education Through Action

Startup Weekends are all about learning through the act of creating. No more theory, no dry lectures, and no pompous instructors. You will actually build your own strategy, learn from mentors and other startup professionals, and launch your business through the school of Hard Knocks. After all, we are known as the City That Works!

3. Form a Startup Team

Whether you have the next big idea, or you want to be part of a team actively working to solve problems, you’ll be a member of a startup team! You will be making crucial decisions and be involved in the entire process start to finish.

4. Save Money & Win Prizes!

Startup Weekend cost between $75 and $99 ($50 for students). Your ticket covers seven meals, snacks, swag, and access to exclusive resources from our global sponsors. The winning teams receive thousands of dollars worth of prizes provided by our amazing sponsors. There are even prizes just for attending the event… That’s how cool we are!

5. Get involved in the Fairfield County Community

There is no better way to give back to your community than starting a business and stimulating the local economy through employment or local purchases.

6. Learn a New Skill

Being a member of a Startup Team will challenge you in ways you never thought possible. You will be challenged with developing solutions for a new business and working with a team. The whole weekend is a dedicated to letting your creative juices flow, Stamford Startup Weekend is the perfect opportunity to work on a new platform, learn a new programming language, or just try something different.

7. Launch a Business!

By participating in Stamford Startup Weekend, your goal is to develop a web or mobile application with a viable and sustainable business model. After Startup Weekend, most teams continue to develop their project and market it to the world. Who knows, you may even start the next multi-million dollar Internet venture!

8. Join a Global Community

Join over 30,000 Startup Weekend alumni, all on a mission to change the world. Come join the Stamford Innovation Center at our 3rd Annual Startup Weekend Event. We are committed to our community in developing local talent. Join Us!